Fort in miserable trip to Lossiemouth

Highland League

The miserable weather that forced Fort William’s game on Saturday to be switched to Lossiemouth was not the end of the misery for the Claggan Park side, coming away from the long trip with a 2-0 defeat.

The Highland League game had been scheduled for Claggan Park but a waterlogged pitch saw it switched to Lossiemouth’s Grant Park.

But the game started well for the visitors and in the first 20 minutes Fort were all over their hosts and, it has to be said, dominated for long spells throughout the game.

Both sides had their chances in the first half but the interval was reached with the scoreboard still showing 0-0.

But it was the home side which broke the deadlock after the restart when, just two minutes played, they pulled ahead with a goal from Brodie Allen.

But Fort stuck to their task and it was not until the 70th minute that Lossiemouth netted their second through Ryan Sewell.

Fort manager Russell MacMorran told us: ‘Saturday’s result was extremely disappointing. We set ourselves out from the start to control and manage the game.

‘We completely dominated the first half, however we were unable to capitalise on the opportunities we created. We should have killed the game off in the first half, but unfortunately that is football.

‘A quick start from Lossiemouth in the second half saw a great strike break the deadlock, but again a preventable goal from our point of view.

‘Again we dominated the game in the second half, but again we didn’t capitalise on our possession and lost a second goal against the run of play.

‘The game went into a bit of disarray with some terrible refereeing decisions that I still can’t quite figure out. I’m sure by now everyone has seen on social media the outrageous tackle on Jordan Andrew, where there was absolutely no intention to win the ball.

‘If that wasn’t a straight red card, then I don’t know what is, especially in full view of the referee and his assistant.

‘Did the best team win? Well the team that scored the most goals won and therefore credit goes to Lossiemouth for taking the chances they had.

‘Looking forward to Strathspey’s visit to Claggan this Saturday – we have to go into the game positively, but we need to improve in certain areas of our game if we are looking to make the most of our games in hand.

‘Taking positive points from Lossiemouth game, goalkeeper Martin Mackinnon was back from injury and commanded his goal and back line and wasn’t at fault for any of the goals.

‘New signing Rafal Mendyk made his debut and proved to be a difference in our side and young Jordan Andrew has played well and created chances when he came off the bench to stake his claim for a start against Strathspey.

‘Myself and the lads are under no illusion what is required from that game and I’ll not be accepting anything less than three points.’

Fort take on Strathspey Thistle, at Claggan Park, Saturday, kick-off 3pm.